The effects of bile duct obstruction on liver volume: an experimental study.

Objectives. This study is aimed at investigating alterations in liver volume during obstructive jaundice in rat liver. Materials and Methods. Thirty-six rats were divided into four groups. Abdominal tomography was performed for baseline volumetric analyses. The main bile ducts were ligated (BDL). Volumetric analyses were repeated 3 days after BDL in group 1, 7 days after BDL in group 2, 15 days after BDL in group 3, and 25 days after BDL in group 4, and total hepatectomy was performed in all animals. Control group (n = 4) was created with the rats that died before bile duct ligation. Results. There was no difference found in liver volume in group 1 compared to control animals. The liver volume was increased 7 days after BDL (P = 0.01). It was increased up to 60% of baseline values 25 days after BDL (P = 0.002). Wet liver weights of animals were also increased compared to control group. Liver weights were increased up to 40% percent of baseline values in group 4 (P = 0.002). Conclusions. Liver volume and weight were increased after BDL. Liver surgery in patients with huge liver mass is generally associated with significant difficulty. The surgeon should be aware of the time-dependent alteration in liver volume after obstructive jaundice.

Efficacy and safety of hepatectomy performed with intermittent portal triad clamping with low central venous pressure.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of intermittent portal triad clamping (PTC) with low central venous pressure (CVP) in liver resections. METHODS: Between January 2007 and August 2013, 115 patients underwent liver resection with intermittent PTC. The patients' data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 58 males and 57 females with a mean age of 55 years (± 13.7). Cirrhosis was found in 23 patients. Resections were performed for malignant disease in 62.6% (n = 72) and for benign disease in 37.4% (n = 43). Major hepatectomy was performed in 26 patients (22.4%). Mean liver ischemia period was 27.1 min (± 13.9). The mortality rate was 1.7% and the morbidity rate was 22.6%. Cumulative clamping time (t = 3.61, P < 0.001) and operation time (t = 2.38, P < 0.019) were significantly correlated with AST alterations (D-AST). Cumulative clamping time (t = 5.16, P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with D-ALT. Operation time (t = 5.81, P < 0.001) was significantly correlated with D-LDH. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent PTC under low CVP was performed with low morbidity and mortality. Intermittent PTC can be safely applied up to 60 minutes in both normal and impaired livers.

Oral nifedipine in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of oral nifedipine on maximal resting anal pressure (MRAP) in healthy volunteers and to evaluate its role in the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF). METHODS: MRAP was measured in 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with CAF before and after oral nifedipine (20 mg b.i.d.). Patients were assessed on the first visit and every fortnight for measurement of MRAP, pain scores, blood pressure, pulse rate, healing of the fissure and adverse effects. Treatments were continued until healing had occurred or for up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: MRAP values before and after nifedipine were 73.2 and 49.3 cm H2O, respectively, in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Nifedipine caused a reduction in mean MRAP from 105.2 to 74.0 cm H2O (p < 0.001) in patients with CAF. Pain scores were significantly reduced after 2 weeks of treatment with nifedipine (p < 0.001) and continued throughout the treatment period. At the end of the study 6 of the 10 patients treated with nifedipine were deemed to be healed (n = 5) or improved (n = 1). Headache occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: We conclude that oral nifedipine is effective in reducing MRAP and should become the first-line treatment for CAF.